Take eggs-tra care to ensure steady supply

THERE could be more criticisms against the government if the egg shortage issue isn’t solved ahead of Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam).

He pointed out that local egg farmers are bearing losses due to the implementation of ceiling prices, adding that the prices of chicken and eggs are only expected to be floated after June 30 this year, as recently announced.

“The issue will persist. With Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaching in the coming months, we don’t want the government to be criticised if there is a shortage in the supply of eggs,” said Dr Wee.

Ramadan will begin in mid-March and Hari Raya Aidilfitri in late April.

Dr Wee spoke after interjecting Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu’s winding up speech in Parliament yesterday.

The MCA president then brought out three different eggs – one from India, a locally produced regular egg and an Omega egg.

“We can see the difference in size. This egg from India costs 50 sen, which is much smaller than the Malaysian eggs. For Omega eggs, it costs 76 sen,” said Dr Wee.

Dr Wee then asked if a subsidy of 10 sen will be given for each egg.

“The Statistics Department stated that egg production costs 45 sen per egg. Until June this year, who will bear the losses?” asked Dr Wee.

In response, Mohamad Sabu said the government is still providing a 10-sen subsidy for each egg until June this year, and a study is to be done after that.

“Imported eggs are just a temporary measure and we want to ensure local egg supplies are adequate,” said Mohamad.

Currently, imported eggs from India are being sold at 50 sen each and local eggs are being sold at 41 sen for Grade C, 43 sen for Grade B, and 45 sen for Grade A each due to price controls.

Dr Wee previously pointed out that many local egg farmers are suffering losses as production costs are higher than the controlled prices.

On a separate matter, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi assured Dr Wee that the proposed widening of the North-South Expressway from Yong Peng to Johor Baru will not result in higher toll charges.

“If the expansion is to be funded by the government, it will not incur any cost on the concessionaire (PLUS Expressways Berhad). This means that no additional toll charges will be imposed on road users,” he said.

Dr Wee had asked when the proposed project to widen the highway from four lanes to six lanes would begin, in light of the severe traffic congestion which happens during weekends and holidays.

Nanta told Dr Wee that the proposed project would be carried out in phases involving the Yong Peng Utara-Senai and Senai-Sedenak routes.

He said the proposed project would cost RM525mil under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

Nanta said that approval for the allocation for the project is subject to priority and financial status of the government under Budget 2023.

Dr Wee noted the importance of the project to ensure continued development in Johor state.